LPG Crisis Looms: Train Meals May Be Suspended

The Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) is contemplating the temporary suspension of cooked meal services across its train network. This potential disruption stems from a growing shortage of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) nationwide, exacerbated by the conflict in West Asia. The IRCTC prepares a substantial 17 lakh meals each day at its base kitchens, and a continued tight supply of LPG directly impacts this operation.

Should the LPG shortage persist, the IRCTC has indicated that passengers who pre-booked meals may receive refunds. In response to these concerns, catering units in the western zone have been advised to transition to alternative cooking methods like microwaves and induction plates. They are also instructed to maintain adequate stocks of ready-to-eat food items to ensure continued service availability for passengers. The Central government has invoked the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, to manage the supply and distribution of petroleum products, aiming to prioritize critical sectors.